Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Lee Byung-hun Sued for Breach of Marriage Promise

Top star Lee Byung-hun, who currently stars in KBS hit drama "Iris," is being sued by a woman who claims to have been cheated by Lee of a promise of marriage. Lee's lawyer denied the accusation and said the star is countersuing for defamation.

According to the Seoul Central District Court on Wednesday, a 22-year-old Korean-Canadian woman identified as Kwon filed a lawsuit against the 39-year-old star, claiming that she suffered mental and physical anguish from a sexual relationship due to Lee's false promise of marriage. She described herself as Lee's girlfriend, and demanded W100 million (US$1=W1,163) in compensation.

Kwon claims she was introduced to Lee by an acquaintance in Canada last year, and a romantic relationship began. She came to Korea in July to meet Lee, but he has been avoiding her. Kwon said when she came to Korea at the end of last year, she stayed at Lee's home for 10 days and he introduced her to his family as his girlfriend.

Lee's lawyer said the actor did have a girlfriend whom he started dating in the fall of last year, but they broke up in spring. Since last month, several men who did not give their name have been calling Lee and his manager, threatening to divulge a scandal related to his girlfriend and demanding W2 billion. Lawyers for Lee are asking police to investigate the threatening calls.